Cheapest Time to Use Electricity in South Australia: Your Guide to Off Peak Electricity Times SA
In South Australia, time-of-use tariffs are becoming increasingly common. With this pricing structure, the cost of electricity can vary significantly depending on the time of day you use it. For many households, simply shifting usage to align with the off peak electricity times SA can lead to substantial savings on their energy bills.
This guide will explain the current electricity tariffs in South Australia, help you identify the cheapest times to use power, and show you exactly how off-peak periods work. You'll also find some practical tips to help reduce your energy costs and make smarter use of electricity every day.
Types of Tariff in South Australia
There are four main types of electricity tariffs currently used in South Australia. You can compare them to decide which one fits your household's usage patterns, especially if you're considering off-peak electricity times in SA. Each tariff offers different pricing structures based on how and when you use power.
Single Rate Tariff
This type of electricity tariff charges a fixed rate for electricity use, no matter the time of day. You pay the same price during both peak and off-peak hours. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice for many Australian households, especially those who don’t want to track when they use power.
Time of Use Tariff
Under this electricity pricing structure, electricity charges vary depending on the time of use. Electricity prices during peak hours are significantly higher than during off-peak hours. The power company introduced this plan to encourage users to avoid using electricity during peak hours.
If your household can flexibly arrange its electricity usage, try to use electricity during off-peak hours, and reduce usage during peak hours, then the Time of Use Tariff can undoubtedly help you save a lot on your electricity bills.
Controlled Load Tariffs
Certain high-energy-consuming appliances, such as pool pumps, underfloor heating systems, or electric water heaters, have separate electricity metering methods.
These appliances are typically powered by dedicated circuits during specific time periods, allowing them to operate more economically without causing a significant increase in electricity bills.
It is important to note that the daily power supply time for such equipment is limited.
Demand Tariffs
Demand Tariff is a combination of standard electricity rates and capacity charges (demand charges). Capacity charges are calculated based on the maximum power load of the user's home appliances during a specific time period.
This pricing structure was originally used mainly for commercial users but is now gradually being promoted to residential users to encourage residents to pay more attention to energy conservation in their daily lives.
ToU Tariff Breakdown
Among the four types of tariffs in SA, the Time-of-Use Tariff is often the most cost-effective for reducing electricity bills. It divides the day into peak and off-peak periods, each with its own rate based on demand. Here's how it works:
Peak Time
Peak time refers to the hours when electricity demand is at its highest, typically from 6 AM to 10 AM and again from 3 PM to 1 AM. During these periods, households and businesses tend to use power simultaneously, placing heavy stress on the electrical grid and often leading to higher electricity rates.
Off-Peak Time
Off-peak times refer to periods of lowest electricity demand, typically from 1 AM to 6 AM. To encourage usage during these quieter hours, power companies often offer reduced rates, helping users lower their electricity costs and balance grid demand.
Solar Sponge
In addition to peak and off-peak periods, there is a mid-day 'solar sponge' window, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM. During this time, solar energy production is at its highest, grid demand is relatively low, and electricity prices are often at their lowest to encourage consumption of surplus solar power.
Retailers' Peak/Off-Peak Electricity Times in South Australia
To figure out if a Time-of-Use tariff suits your needs, it helps to know the exact peak and off-peak electricity times SA. These times can differ depending on your electricity distributor, so here’s a breakdown to guide you.
Retailer | Peak Time | Off-peak Time |
EnergyAustralia | 12 AM - 1 AM daily 6 AM - 10 AM daily 3 PM - 12 AM daily | 1 AM - 6 AM daily |
AGL | 12 AM - 1 AM daily 6 AM - 10 AM daily 3 PM - 12 AM daily | 1 AM - 6 AM daily |
OriginEnergy | 6 AM - 10 AM daily 3 PM - 1 AM daily | 1 AM - 6 AM daily |
Are You on Peak or Off-Peak Time?
To find out if you're being charged different rates based on the time of day, check your electricity bill first. If you're on a time-of-use tariff, your bill should show separate charges for peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods. These times and rates vary depending on your energy provider and location. If the breakdown isn’t clear, it’s best to contact your electricity supplier or visit their website or app for details.
Another way to tell is by checking whether you have a smart meter. Smart meters track your electricity usage throughout the day and are essential for time-of-use pricing. If you don’t have one, you’re most likely on a flat-rate plan where energy costs the same no matter when you use it.
If you do have access to time-of-use pricing, it can offer savings, especially if your lifestyle or setup lets you take advantage of off-peak rates:
You’re home during the day and can shift usage to off-peak hours.
You’re away during the day but can schedule appliances to run during low-rate times.
You have a battery system that stores solar energy and can be used during peak hours.
How to Maximize Savings During Off-Peak Hours?
Most households adopt time-of-use electricity rates primarily to save on their electricity bills. If you're on such a plan, it's important to make the most of the daily off-peak hours to maximize your savings. Here are some practical tips for your reference:
1. Use Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Operate high-consumption appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during off-peak periods, typically late at night or early morning. Avoid running them during peak hours (e.g., 3 PM–9 PM), as this can significantly increase your electricity bill. Using timers can help automate the process.
2. Charge Devices During Off-Peak Hours
Charging battery-powered devices like electric vehicles, phones, and laptops during off-peak hours can help lower your electricity costs. Most smart chargers and devices let you schedule charging overnight, when demand on the grid is low and rates are cheaper.
3. Store Electricity During Off-Peak Hours
To make the most of cheaper off-peak rates, consider using a portable power station at home. Charging it during low-cost periods and using it during peak hours can significantly reduce your electricity bill.
A great option for this setup is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. It delivers up to 4000W of power at 230V, enough to handle most household appliances with ease. With a flexible 4–12kWh capacity, it adapts to your energy needs. The plug-and-play design ensures a simple setup, and it charges up to 80% in just 50 minutes, perfect for quick, efficient overnight charging during off-peak hours.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
4. Use Solar Panels
Installing solar panels allows you to generate your own electricity during daylight hours, reducing reliance on the grid. To maximize savings during off-peak hours, pair your solar system with a home battery or portable power station. Acting as a solar generator, it stores excess energy produced during the day, so you can use it later, when electricity rates are higher.
Conclusion
Off-peak electricity times SA typically offer significantly lower rates. If your household can consistently adjust the energy usage to align with these hours, usually from 1 AM to 6 AM, you could see a noticeable reduction in your electricity bills.
To make the most of these lower-cost periods, consider practical strategies such as charging your devices overnight, scheduling household chores that require heavy appliance use during off-peak hours, or using a portable power station to store energy for peak times.
FAQs
What time is controlled load in South Australia?
In South Australia, AGL's controlled load period typically runs from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. This timeframe allows for cheaper electricity to be supplied to dedicated high-usage appliances like electric hot water systems or pool pumps. These appliances operate independently from the general household supply, helping reduce overall energy costs.
What are the peak times for AGL in SA?
AGL’s peak electricity periods in South Australia fall between 06:00 - 09:59, 15:00 - 23:59, and 00:00 - 00:59. These are the times when demand is highest across households and businesses, leading to higher electricity rates. Avoiding energy use during these hours can lead to significant savings.
What time does off-peak electricity start in South Australia?
Off-peak electricity in South Australia generally starts between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on your electricity provider and tariff plan. During this low-demand period, electricity is offered at reduced rates to encourage usage outside of peak hours. It’s the ideal time for running appliances or charging electric vehicles.